2008 was a year of great expectations for the Detroit Lions, especially when it came to their running backs. The team had just picked up Kevin Smith in the draft, and he was seen as a potential star for the future. Alongside him was the veteran Rudi Johnson, who had been brought in to provide some much-needed experience and stability to the position. The two of them were supposed to form a formidable duo that would lead the Lions to glory. However, things didn't quite turn out as planned.
In this article, we'll take a look back at the Detroit Lions running backs in 2008, examining what went right and what went wrong. We'll explore the highs and lows of the season, and try to understand why the team ultimately fell short of their goals. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of Detroit Lions football!
The Arrival of Kevin Smith
Heading into the 2008 season, the Lions were in desperate need of a running back. They had struggled mightily in that area the previous year, and knew that they needed to make a change if they wanted to compete. That's where Kevin Smith came in. The Lions selected him in the third round of the draft, and immediately saw him as a potential star. He was a big, bruising back with excellent speed and agility, and he seemed like the perfect fit for the team's offense.
Smith didn't disappoint in his rookie year. He quickly established himself as the team's top running back, and showed flashes of the brilliance that had made him such a highly-regarded prospect. He rushed for over 900 yards and eight touchdowns, and added another 200 yards and a touchdown through the air. He was a workhorse for the Lions, and seemed like a potential star in the making.
The Addition of Rudi Johnson
Despite Smith's success, the Lions knew that they needed more experience at the running back position. That's where Rudi Johnson came in. The veteran back had spent his entire career with the Cincinnati Bengals, and had been a consistent performer throughout. The Lions saw him as a perfect complement to Smith, and hoped that he would provide some much-needed leadership and stability to the team.
Johnson didn't have the same impact as Smith, but he was still a valuable addition to the team. He rushed for over 200 yards and two touchdowns, and provided a steady presence in the backfield. He was a reliable option for the Lions, and helped to take some of the pressure off of Smith.
The Highs of the Season
Despite the team's overall struggles in 2008, there were still some bright spots for the running backs. Smith had several standout performances throughout the season, including a 112-yard, two-touchdown effort against the Houston Texans in Week 3. He also had a 96-yard, one-touchdown game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15. Johnson had his moments as well, including a two-touchdown game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6.
Overall, the running backs showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season. They were a key part of the team's offense, and helped to keep the Lions in several games that they might have otherwise lost. There was reason to be optimistic about the future of the position.
The Lows of the Season
Unfortunately, there were more lows than highs for the Lions running backs in 2008. The team struggled mightily throughout the season, finishing with a dismal record of 0-16. There were several factors that contributed to this, but one of the biggest was the team's inability to consistently run the ball.
Smith and Johnson both had their share of struggles throughout the season. Smith was hampered by injuries, and missed several games as a result. Johnson, meanwhile, looked like a shadow of his former self at times. He didn't have the same burst or power that he had shown earlier in his career, and struggled to make an impact on the field.
The Aftermath
Looking back, it's clear that the Detroit Lions running backs in 2008 didn't live up to expectations. While there were some bright spots, the team's overall lack of success overshadowed them. Smith showed promise but was hampered by injuries, while Johnson struggled to make an impact. Ultimately, the team's inability to run the ball was a major factor in their winless season.
Despite the disappointment of 2008, the Lions have continued to invest in their running backs over the years. They've had some ups and downs since then, but have never lost sight of the importance of a strong ground game. Who knows? Maybe one day they'll find the perfect combination of talent and experience, and finally bring a championship to Detroit.
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